Ebor next for Vic

Declan Carroll is praying there will be some cut in the ground when Hits Only Vic returns to York for the totesport Ebor next month.

The five-year-old earned a 16-1 quote from the sponsors for the prestigious staying handicap when edging out Warringah and Magicalmysterytour over the course and distance on Saturday.

"He's come back fine, he's eaten everything and is as sound as a pound," said the East Yorkshire trainer.

"I personally believe he is more effective when there is cut in the ground. From watching his races you can see that.

"The Ebor will be the next race he'll be aimed for, but I won't be rushing him back. He'll go straight for that.

"The horse is progressing and he hasn't had a lot of racing. For a horse of his age he doesn't have a lot of mileage on the clock.

"I like to keep my horses in as low a grade as I can, but obviously he's going to go up in the ratings for this.

"He's effective from a mile and a half up to two miles. He's a nice horse and we'll let him do the talking."